Question: I am working as a teacher. Five years ago, as I sought a career, I had no idea what avenue I wanted to travel.... I chose teaching knowing full well that I would enjoy this career....but (also) that I would not devote my life to it... I (now) feel that I truly recognize my shortcomings, passions and aversions... I feel confident enough to choose a career path... I would wholeheartedly enjoy traveling.

It is clear to me what I don't want to do for the rest of my life, but I am quite overwhelmed by the multitude of options available to me. I would greatly benefit from the knowledge and expertise of a career consultant. How can I find the right one?

Answer: To target your sights on a new career you need to know: 1) Who you are. 2) What you want to do. 3) Where you want to work.

Behind each of these seemingly simple steps is a complicated blend of personal assessment and workplace research. Career consultants (or counselors), at their best, shepherd people through the process, acting for the most part as a "coach". Their role is to help you assess the multitude of options and make intelligent decisions. (For further information read: Looking for career advice)

Initially, you need to identify your skills, interests, values, goals, strengths, limitations and aptitudes. You already have some sense of these. A consultant will take this information, help you expand on it to create a comprehensive "personal profile" and define an occupational target.

A variety of assessment tools may be used to accomplish this. Personality testing might be warranted, then again, it might not. It depends on the consultant. It depends on your needs. Everyone has a unique set of abilities, circumstances and talents. Methodologies vary.

Before you can decide where you want to work, you'll need to conduct some labor market research. You need to assess the various sectors of the workplace, looking for pockets of growth. And you need to find organizations and specific opportunities in which your skills and abilities can be put to good use.

For this stage of the process, look for a consultant who can show you how to access labor force information and teach you how to conduct informational interviews. You need someone to act as an objective sounding board. Someone who can help you marry relevant information about your options to your own profile, and define a suitable career target(s).

Finding career guidance appropriate to you and your needs is a research project in itself. Be an alert, informed and intelligent consumer as you shop for this professional service. Expect to experience some trial, some error.

Some people prefer to manage the career targeting process themselves. They find help with the various steps outlined above from a variety of sources and then pull all the bits and pieces together themselves. Others prefer to work with a single counselor throughout the entire process. Check, first of all, to see what services are available in your community. Affordable career assessment is sometimes offered through universities, community colleges or school boards. Check those in your vicinity to see what they provide.

If you decide to use a community-based career or vocational assessment service, expect to pay anywhere from $100 to $800. In some cases, you can pay "per session". In other instances, you may have to purchase a "package" of testing and counseling which begins with an initial meeting, followed by a series of tests. In a follow-up session(s) you discuss what the testing indicates about you and your career options.

Should you prefer to work with an independent career consultant, begin your search in the Toronto Yellow Pages. Services vary, so do prices. And not all career consultants are listed in the Yellow Pages. Talk to your friends and associates (particularly other teachers) and ask for referrals.

Shop around. Call, ask these practitioners about their background and training and what sort of methods they use to guide career seekers. Find out if testing is used and if so, which assessments. Be sure they are relevant to your needs. Probe to gain a sense of their views on our changing world of work.

Look for someone with whom you feel comfortable. Often an introductory meeting can be arranged, though there may be a fee. Beware people who make makes grandiose claims about what you'll achieve under their guidance.

Some consultants offer packages of testing and counseling, though often you can pay as you go. The cost per session tends to be in the $70 -$100 range. Students or the unemployed can sometimes negotiate lower rates.

Before committing to anyone, gain a clear understanding of the service provided, the cost and what you can expect to achieve. Good luck!